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Peru FAQ’s


Do I need a visa?

Travelers with a US or Canadian passport do not need a visa to enter Peru for up to 90 days for tourism or business. For those traveling with a passport from another country other than the US or Canada; visit projectvisa.com for more information.

Is my passport valid?

We recommend your passport to be valid at least 6 months following the end of your trip for entry into Peru. If it expires sooner, you may want to get a renewal.

Do I need any shots?

No vaccinations are required for travel to Peru from the USA. Call the CDC Travelers’ Hot Line at 888-232-3228 or visit the website (www.cdc.gov/travel). Most travelers receive inoculations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid Fever and Tetanus. If traveling to the Amazon region, Yellow fever is recommended and you should consider Malaria prophylaxis.

When can I expect more details on my trip?

You will receive two sets of information by email: 1. Pre-departure materials once your trip is guaranteed, typically a few months prior to your departure; and 2. Final Documents sent two weeks before you leave.

When is my balance due?

Your land balance is due 90 days prior to departure for Signature Trips and generally due at 120 days for Custom Trips. For private trips, balance is due 120 days before departure. An invoice indicating your balance due will be sent with your pre-departure information.

Will I be met at the airport?

Yes, if you arrive according to schedule or have arranged extra transfers through our office. Meeting instructions and local contact information will be given with your Final Documents.

Who books the local flights?

You can book the local flights within Peru in conjunction with your international itinerary. Southwind will provide you with an air schedule to best match your trip. We can also recommend a Latin American ticketing specialist to assist you with all your airline ticketing needs. Most local airlines use 727/737 jets except for charter flights into the Amazon Basin (ie. Manu Park) or overflight of Nazca Lines where smaller (4-12 passenger) prop planes are used.

How much money should I bring?

Depending on the length of your trip, plan to bring $300-600 per person for spending money, tips, taxi rides, additional visits and those meals not included in the itinerary.

Should I bring cash or bank cards?

Cash is the easiest to exchange and most places accept US dollars. Credit or debit cards are also easy to use at most establishments. Be sure to check with your bank prior to your departure to inform them that you will be using your card in a foreign country. Traveler’s checks are less efficient and may take extra time and documentation to use. Find current exchange rates.

Are ATM machines available?

Yes. There are ATM machines in the main cities such as Lima, Arequipa and Cusco. We recommend using the ones located inside some hotels, stores, restaurants or banks. Be cautious as some thieves may watch these machines and target tourists and others who take out large amounts of cash. Consult with your guide for safety recommendations on ATM’s or exchanging money.

What is the elevation of Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is actually lower in elevation than Cusco (7,973′ versus 11,150′).

Is Peru safe?

We consider Peru a safe destination. After more than 25 years of operating trips to Peru, our travelers have never experienced a problem with safety, whether in the cities or hiking routes. You can review an updated Country information page from the US State Department’s website

What about thievery?

Petty thievery in Peru’s cities is not much higher than in any large city in the US. Common sense is important. Use the safety deposit box at your hotel for your passport and extra money (carry only as much as you might spend each day) and leave jewelry and expensive watches at home.

What will the weather be like?

Peru’s weather varies drastically depending on the region and season.

  • Andean Highlands (Cusco, Arequipa & Lake Titicaca): Cooler, with daytime highs in the upper 60’s to mid 70’s and nighttime lows between 30°F and 42°F. Weather is cooler yet sunnier and clearer during the dry season months of April through November. See more about Cusco weather.

  • Macchu Picchu: A sub-tropical cloud forest region that is warmer and more humid than Cusco and the Sacred Valley area. Daytime temperatures reach the lower to mid 80’s and nighttime temperatures fall to the upper 40’s to mid 50’s. Chances of showers year-round, but the driest months are May through September. See more about Machu Picchu weather.

  • The Amazon: Hot and humid, with daytime highs in the upper 80’s to mid 90’s and nighttime lows in the upper 60’s to low 70’s. Heat, rain and humidity are at their highest during the wet season months of December through April. Chances of rain year-round with the heaviest rains from January through March. See more about Iquitos weather.

  • The Coast (Lima and Paracas): Warm and generally overcast year-round, with little rain but high humidity. Hot and mostly clear during the summer months of January, February and March. Highs in the low 80’s and lows in the 60’s, with slightly cooler weather in June, July, and August. See more about Lima weather.

Will we stay at the Sanctuary Lodge?

Rather than the Sanctuary Lodge adjacent to Machu Picchu, Southwind uses the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in Aguas Calientes. Most of our guests prefer this property for its comfortable and charming rooms, excellent service and great food. Additionally, the close proximity to the village of Machu Picchu (formerly Aguas Calientes) allows for easy access to local cafes, shops and hot springs. If you prefer to stay at the Sanctuary Lodge adjacent to the citadel, we can upgrade you to this property for an additional fee. Southwind will try our best to accommodate your preference, although the Sanctuary Lodge has only 32 rooms and cannot be guaranteed.

What about sunrise at Machu Picchu?

Due to the mountain location, it is not possible to actually view the sunrise over the horizon from Machu Picchu. What is commonly referred to as sunrise at Machu Picchu occurs when the first light strikes the citadel itself. This happens between 6:30am and 7:20am depending on the month. The gates to the ruins open at about 6:00am which should allow anyone wishing to witness this phenomenon time to locate a special spot within the citadel. There are early buses up to the ruins from Machu Picchu Town for those staying at the Pueblo Hotel to enjoy 3-4 hours at Machu Picchu before most tourist trains arrive at about 10:00am.

What about the full moon at Machu Picchu?

Due to stricter visiting hours, it is not possible to enter the ruins at night. The gates to the Machu Picchu ruins close at 5:00pm.

How do I train for my trip?

If you lead an active lifestyle (walking, cycling, swimming, tennis, etc. on a regular basis) you will do fine on a Grade I or II trip. For Grade III trips you should plan to jog or stair climb for at least 45 minutes 4-5 times per week (more frequency for a Grade IV trip). View more details on Trip Ratings.

How do I adjust to the altitude?

Gradual exposure to higher elevations and time are the best ways to acclimatize. If possible, try to arrive to Cusco (elevation 11,150′) a day early. Drink plenty of water, eat lightly and avoid alcoholic beverages for the first day or two. Many travelers find that drinking coca tea is also effective. Upgrades are available to boutique hotels with an oxygen-enriched suite amenity. This is highly effective in countering the effects of altitude for a good night’s sleep.

Who will be my guide?

We work with the most respected and experienced local guides, many of whom have advanced degrees in tourism, biology, Andean culture or other specialities. All speak fluent English and are knowledgeable, patient and fun to be around. Your Final Documents will provide guide details. See our list of Southwind Guides in Peru.